Demobilisation suit, 1945 (c)

Limited as it was in colour, size and style, the demobilisation or 'demob' suit was the subject of many jokes. Nevertheless, it remains a suitably democratic symbol of the 'People's War' of 1939-1945.

The demobilisation of the Army started on 16 June 1945, six weeks after the German surrender. Soldiers were released according to age and length of service. Each man was given a choice of suit, and issued with a raincoat, a shirt with two collars, a hat, a tie, shoes and two pairs of socks.

Women received a cash grant and clothing coupons. Discharged service personnel also received three weeks pay and 56 days leave. Between December 1945 and December 1946 2,773,357 men and 176,929 women were demobilised.